Apple's plans for universal dock revealed in patent application

Apple may be developing a universal dock which can conform to the shape of the object being charged, thus eliminating the need for separate chargers and adaptors when switching between products.

A universal dock for the iPod/iPhone was revealed in a patent application published Thursday. The dock's main feature is its ability to change forms to accommodate a variety of devices using an elastic, sponge-like substance that conforms to the shape of the device being charged.

The sponge-like substance would be able to retain its shape between uses or could be reset using a button placed on the front of the dock for use with a different device. This would eliminate the current problem of differing generations of iPods/iPhones needing adapters to fit into certain docks and chargers.

The patent for the device, dubbed the "Aesthetically pleasing universal dock," was originally filed in June of 2008. There is no word as to if or when this product will see release.

Also revealed today were patents for tamper-resistant hardware and the use of additional accelerometer controls in controlling iPod playback.

Apple may be developing a universal dock which can conform to the shape of the object being charged, thus eliminating the need for separate chargers and adaptors when switching between products.

I just picked-up a Walldock from DLO and it operates the same way. It's a spring-loaded cushion on top and so any size ipod/iphone can be docked in it. It's actually really nice and a simple, nice looking solution to the problem.

I just picked-up a Walldock from DLO and it operates the same way. It's a spring-loaded cushion on top and so any size ipod/iphone can be docked in it. It's actually really nice and a simple, nice looking solution to the problem.

Do you have a link?

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"

Actually, this is kind of interesting. That they have been playing around with this elastic surface reminds me of some of the work on their proposed combination keyboard-multitouch surface that they applied for a patent for earlier.

And if it didnt patent it some clown in texas would have them in court faster than you can imagine over some bogus patent infringement.

Its all par to the course (unless your Tiger Woods )

The people that file the lawsuits in Texas aren't usually from Texas. They come to Texas from other places to file their suits in a federal court. That's where U. S. Patent infringement cases are heard, federal courts not state courts. Most of the judges in the federal courts located in Tyler and Marshall are Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton appointees, neither of which were fans of large corporations like Apple. In fact, Bill Clinton is a lawsuit whore (lawyer) from way back. So to blame all of that lawsuit abuse on the State of Texas isn't fair. Place the blame on a system full of judges that ignore the U. S. Constitution and take it upon themselves to legislate from the bench.

ok that great. but what about this issue, that chargers for old ipods (1st generation iphone) won't charge the new iphone 3gs (i had to buy this shitty adapter that i plugged into my car unit, but the unit sucks because there are no clips on the side to hold it into the iPhone and when i drive my iphone gets disconnected). why did apple do this? and why would that company make such a shitty product? now i have to carry that stupid adapter with me when i go places.

Didn't we see something about wireless inductive charging awhile back?

I think so too. Btw, I don't know what all that big deal is with wireless inductive charging, I mean if you are to go put the phone somewhere to charge you might as well stick something in, of course inductive charging will be nice too, but nothing really that exciting.

Very cool, I have a bunch of plastic device templates just lying around the house taking up valuable wasted space. The device conforming universal template will be more than welcome. Can't wait to try it and review it on my iCrazee Mac Blog.

iHing @ iCrazee - A Personal Guide To Owning An Apple Mac and All Things 'i'

The people that file the lawsuits in Texas aren't usually from Texas. They come to Texas from other places... Place the blame on a system full of judges that ignore the U. S. Constitution and take it upon themselves to legislate from the bench.

He said IN Texas, not FROM Texas.

Maybe you should take a time out from Limburger and Faux Newz.
It seems to be rotting your mind.

Maybe you should take a time out from Limburger and Faux Newz.
It seems to be rotting your mind.

Granted, he did say "in Texas" and not "from Texas". However, the context in which the writer used his words could easily lead one to believe that he meant people living in Texas. You're splitting hairs, but then it is your right to do so.

With regards to the last sentence of yor reply, why turn a difference of opinion over the context of a phrase into a personal attack? Such actions do nothing but accentuate your immaturity.

if someone's going to complain about spam, I almost want it to saty so I know what people are annoyed about...

back on topic, I don't really see the point of this, but I also don't get the point of the dock. I just plug my phone in and lay it down with a cord hanging out of it -- what do I need a dock cluttering up my bedside table for?

I've never gotten the point of docks for phones or ipods -- I never use them while they're plugged in, and if I did, the dock would be a detriment!

if someone's going to complain about spam, I almost want it to saty so I know what people are annoyed about...

back on topic, I don't really see the point of this, but I also don't get the point of the dock. I just plug my phone in and lay it down with a cord hanging out of it -- what do I need a dock cluttering up my bedside table for?

I've never gotten the point of docks for phones or ipods -- I never use them while they're plugged in, and if I did, the dock would be a detriment!

Thanks for getting us "back on task"! You may see this as somewhat of a disagreement, but I would ask you what about the "docks" that are part of an alarm clock or music play-back system that includes speakers? When my 32 year old alarm clock finally dies, I'll probably get some sort of unit that will wake me to music of my choice. Other than that, I would agree with you that docks are mostly "clutter" items.